320 pages

In The Virgin Warrior, Larissa Juliet Taylor paints a vivid portrait of Joan as a self-confident, charismatic and supremely determined figure, whose sheer force of will electrified those around her and struck terror into the hearts of the English soldiers and leaders. The drama of Joan's life is set against a world where visions and witchcraft were real, where saints could appear to peasants, battles and sieges decided the fate of kingdoms and rigged trials could result in burning at the stake. Yet in her short life, Joan emboldened the French soldiers and villagers with her strength and resolve. A difficult, inflexible leader, she defied her accusers and enemies to the end. From her early years to the myths and fantasies that have swelled since her death, Taylor teases out a nuanced and engaging story of the truly irresistible "ordinary" girl who rescued France.--Publisher Description

Includes bibliographical references and index

Chronology -- Prologue: The Hundred Years War -- Jehannette -- The mission -- The making of the maid -- For France! -- "She would only last a year" -- The maid and the King -- Captivity -- Judging the maid -- From fear of the fire -- Vindication -- Epilogue: "That astonishing and marvelous maid" -- Appendix A: Joan of Arc's family tree -- Appendix B: The sources -- Appendix C: The villagers -- Appendix D: Principal characters

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